4.2018

Zion Nat'l Park, Columbine

Presence is the Present

With all that’s going on in the world, in our community, in our house, in our brain — ya’ know, the pace that we sometimes allow ourselves to get caught up in; or the stimulation we take on in response to a news story; or the drama that shows up in a family dynamic — all of that can diminish our commitment to presence. To be present. To pay attention. To, with an open heart, observe what is right in front of us, without judgement. To be our authentic, best selves.

Being present is a gift. The present of being present is a gift that is opened and reopened many, many times, and it is the gift that keeps on giving (corny but oh-so-true). When we are present and in the moment, paying attention to our current thought, circumstance, or emotion, we are open to acceptance, learning, and growing. From here, we are receptive to joy and gratitude. Distraction, on the other hand — be it texting, daydreaming, or judging — gets in the way of paying attention to the here and now. We’ve got this one moment to live, followed by the next unique moment, and the next moment, bringing us to a place of gorgeous presence. Let’s make the most of it.

The concept of presence has come up for me this week as I am visiting my family in Florida, staying at my sister’s home with her family — and they just happen to live just down the street from my parents. Sheesh, there’s nothing like a family visit to divert presence — old stuff comes up; being inserted into another family’s routine can create an internal imbalance; and simply being out of my familiar surroundings throws me off the path of being present. Perhaps you experience this phenomenon also, when you are around family that you don’t see very often. If not, wow! you’re fortunate, and if so, phew! I’m glad to know I am not alone in this.

The gift un-wrapping begins by opening the elaborately tied metaphoric bow to get to the personalized greeting card — an invitation to drop into the state of presence. Slowly peeling off the outer layer,  you see a glimpse of what the box holds … recognition that awareness and responsiveness have begun to slip and are in peril of being replaced by reactivity. Soon enough, the top of the box is removed to reveal the precious gift inside: acceptance, compassion, and understanding. You’ve just given yourself the present of presence.

Robin Mallery

2 Responses to “Presence is the Present”

  • Your experience is one that I am familiar with also. It is somewhat comforting to know that someone else has the same feelings around their family as I do and have had. It always takes extra energy to become present in that situation. Exhausting for sure, but somehow takes me to the next level of knowing myself better. Thank you for sharing your insight.

  • I love this Phyllis: …takes me to the next level of knowing myself better. What a lovely insight. Thank you for sharing that pearl.

Leave a Reply

CommentLuv badge

“When I began to work with Robin as a client, she immediately recognized that my success involved more than treating issues relating to my heart. Her knowledge and caring has given me the opportunity and confidence to improve my overall health and mental outlook for the future. I have received excellent care from many doctors but what may be more important is that Robin has made me want to do more for myself.
—Pat G., Client

recipe link
mindful more
more...balancedlife
more...quietingbusybrain
Blog Categories